lower back pain

[Badmintoner]

hi all, I have experienced lower back pain / sciatica for the last 12 months. I was diagnosed with PA 14 years ago after investigation into my dropping Ferritin levels. I have B12 injections every 12 weeks and have been fine in the interim.. However I have not had any blood tests until last week and the results now show I have both a low blood count and I am low in Ferritin as well. I remember 14 years ago when first diagnosed that I was also experiencing serious lower back pain. at the time which went away after the booster B12 programme. I have read an American article which states that these low levels can cause lower back pain as these low levels do not enable the body to produce enough collagen connective tissue protein and maintain the back adequately.

I welcome your experiences, and clinical viewpoints on this.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

low B12 also causes muscle weakness which could also result in back pain.

[Suesue246 in reply to Gambit62]

I keep reading about lower back pain with P.A. but I have upper back pain. I'm hoping so much that more frequent treatment will help my upper back pain as it's the worst symptom I have. Is there a possibility that upper back pain can also cone from P.A? Thanks.

[Badmintoner in reply to Suesue246]

Hi Sue

I think there is every possibility yes. I think it is more likely with the lower back because of the work/load/ movement it undertakes in everyday life. Collagen is everywhere in the body and a component of all connective tissue structures. I am having further blood tests next week and I will take steps to boost my iron, B12 and vitamin D if they show to be too low. I know my iron is low already but will wait for the GPs interpretation. I think that if I correct any shortages then it is bound to help with my condition in reasonable time.

It appears that there is a really wide spectrum of severity when it comes to B12 issues and an individuals requirement . I class myself as being only slightly affected compared. to some and I have never ever had fatigue or experienced any form of listlessness in the last 14 years. In fact my PA was only discovered by accident when having a general check-up. I keep very fit with plenty of exercise which is also very good for my arthritis as well.

[Suesue246 in reply to Badmintoner]

Thank you. This gives me hope. I wish you well.

[Budsa]

I had lower back pain and sciatica going back at least 10 years. I did regular back exercises and took up hill walking which made a big difference. I found out I had low B12 shortly before covid broke and after a routine test after changing surgeries. My doctor was only interested in trying to find the cause of my low B12 and was unsuccessful at that before giving up due to covid. The only treatment I received was 28 days of 30mcg pills and advice to take a good multivitamin. I have been supplementing with 1mg daily ever since. 15 months ago my lower back pain returned, along with some nerve pain from my neck. I had an MRI scan which showed quite a lot of deterioration in the cervical and lumbar spine, including stenosis. My right leg, right buttock and rhs of abdomen are now either numb or else are burning. I also have no heat sensitivity in these areas. It has taken until January to see a spinal consultant and her only interest was seeing where she could remove bone and insert metalwork in order to get me back walking again.. She had no idea how to look for signs of SACD and couldn't explain the neurological symptoms . I am still waiting to hear the next steps. In the mean time, I took the decision to self inject EOD for a while, on the basis that it wont cause any harm and might help.. I have only had 3 injections so far, but my neurological symptoms appear to be improving a little already.

It might be worth asking your doctor to refer you to your local spinal team and to consider upping your b12 injections.

[Badmintoner]

Hi Budsa, Thank you for your comprehensive and detailed reply. It seems harder than ever these days to get to see the right person to get the right treatment.

Your last statement about the B12 is strongly in my mind as I am having a blood test tomorrow and was planning to insist on a B12 check as part of it. I think a standard blood test does not also include this but I will insist that this is done and if it is down then I know, from previous experience that if I correct it then my back will improve. For bone strength I take Vit D every day between October and March. I will also ask for this to be checked as well and that my winter self medication is proving to be effective.

Good Luck !